Ninh Binh and Ha Long: Caves, Temples, and Cruise

388 Ratings

Hoàn Kiếm

Save

View All (47)

Embark on a 5-star cruise experience in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay. Explore stunning caves, visit ancient temples, and indulge in luxury amenities like kayaking, swimming, and cooking classes.

Duration: 3 days

Cancellation: 24 hours

learn more

Highlights

Day 1: Hanoi-Ninh Binh & Bungalow

Ninh Binh - 7:30 AM-8:00 AM The bus and tour guide will collect you from Hanoi Old Quarter.
Explore the cultural and natural wonders of Ninh Binh province on a guided day trip from Hanoi. Visit the Bai Dinh Temple Complex, enjoy a serene boat ride through Trang An’s rivers, and climb to the top of Mua Caves for breathtaking panoramic views of the rocky hills.
Depart from your hotel in Hanoi and head towards Ninh Binh. Stop at Bai Dinh, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam, to admire the impressive pagoda.
Enjoy lunch. Continue to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in the 2017 movie Kong.
Board a wooden boat to explore its tranquil rivers, uncover mysterious caves, and admire towering limestone karsts covered with tropical vegetation. Finally, ascend 500 steps to the Mua Caves viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of Tam Coc. Spend the night at a Ninh Binh Bungalow.
19:00 Dinner served at Ninh Binh Bungalow.

Ninh Binh - 07:20 – 07:50 - The driver and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
10:45 – Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel with Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, dating back to the 17th Century.
12:00 – Savor lunch at our restaurant with delicious local cuisines.
13:30 – Head to the Trang An Grottoes, a stunning natural beauty of majestic limestone massifs rising dramatically from rice paddy fields. Deep within the linked chains of towering mountains are pristine mystical valleys, numerous freshwater ponds, and jungle. Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowed down the exquisite river through numerous caves: Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, and Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Temple.
15:30 – Arrive at Mua Cave and begin an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long mountain to view the spectacular rice valley with a spacious view of nature.
17:15 – Transfer to Ninh Binh Bungalow and stay overnight at the Bungalow.

Ninh Binh - 07:30 – 07:50: Pick up from your hotel in the Old Quarter area and depart for Ninh Binh.
10:00-10:30: Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, and visit the temple of King Dinh and King Le. With the guidance of our local expert, learn more about Vietnamese history. Take a bike ride to explore the beautiful scenery and limestone mountains on a unique route.
12:00: Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
13:30: Visit Tam Coc by a Sampan boat rowed by a local for about 1.5 hours. Known as “Halong Bay on land,” the boat trip offers a pleasant journey along the river with the peaceful scenery of limestone mountains and rice paddies, especially during harvest season.
15:45: Return to the Limousine Bus and head to Mua Cave. Climb nearly 500 steps to reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain and enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from there.
17:00-17:30: Drop off at Ninh Binh Bungalow and stay overnight.

Hoa Lu Temple - Hoa Lu Temple

Tam Coc - Tam Coc

Mua Caves - Trekking Mua Cave

Trang An Landscape Complex - Discover Trang An

Bai Dinh Pagoda - Visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda

Day 2: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay

Halong Bay - 07:00-07:30 AM The Limousine bus will pick you up at Ninh Binh Bungalow and transfer you to Halong.
12:00 Boarding time, check into your cabin. Participate in activities such as boarding the Cruise for departure, enjoying a welcome drink, and receiving a cruise briefing and safety instructions.
13:30 A delightful lunch is served while cruising past islets.
15:30 Kayak around Luon Cave for about an hour, then visit Titop Island. Choose from activities like sunbathing, swimming, and climbing to the peak of the largest island in Halong to capture panoramic photos of Halong Bay.
Return to the cruise to watch the sunset and relax.
18:00 Cooking Class. Our Chef will demonstrate the preparation of a specific Vietnamese dish in the dining room. Our guide will explain the process during the demonstration.
19:30 A luxurious set menu dinner is served with a variety of Vietnamese and Asian dishes.
21:00 Join the squid fishing on the boat.
Overnight on the Cruise.

Lan Ha Bay - 07:00-07:30: The Limousine bus will pick you up at the Bungalow and transfer you to Halong Bay. Embark at the Port. Enjoy a welcome drink and cruise briefing. Have lunch while cruising through Da Chong Islet, Con Vit Islet, and many other islands. The Cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay and completes its entry through the Cua Van Area, surrounded by extraordinary limestone karst landscapes.
Kayak and/or enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay; there are 2 options depending on the tide.
Option 1: Visit Ba Trai Dao Beach and kayak in Tra Bau Area of Lan Ha Bay - a quiet tourist paradise.
Option 2: Visit Dark Cave & Bright Cave by bamboo boat or kayak to the Dark & Bright Cave for about an hour.
Enjoy the complimentary sunset party on the sundeck with local wine and fresh fruits. Dinner is served on board. Spend leisure time chatting at the bar/sundeck, squid fishing, relaxing, and overnight on the cruise.

Ti Top Island - Titop Island Halong Bay

Sung Sot Cave - Sung Sot Cave

Dark & Light Cave - Dark Cave & Light Cave

Day 3: Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi

Halong Bay - 06:15 Tai Chi class on the Sun-Deck.
07:10 Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries on board.
07:45 Arrive at the Surprising Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay with 10,000 square meters. The cave resembles a Vietnamese house with three chambers: a lobby, dining room, and bedroom, featuring the most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Tour the cave for about 60 minutes.
09:00 Upon returning to the boat, you will have time to freshen up and finish packing. When checking out, please remove all belongings from the cabins; you may leave heavy luggage outside the cabins.
10:30 Brunch is served.
After brunch, relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
11:00 Disembark at Halong International Harbour.
11:20 Check-out from the cruise.
11:45 The bus will pick you up and transfer you back to Hanoi.
15:00 The bus will drop you off at Hanoi Old Quarter.

Lan Ha Bay - 06:30 Tai Chi Class on the Sundeck.
07:30 Enjoy breakfast and the sunrise on the bay.
Option 1: Visit Dark & Bright Cave and islets (1 hour) by local rowing boats, showcasing a wild and mysterious beauty in the heart of the World Heritage.
Option 2: Kayak and swim at Ao Each area for about an hour to discover more beautiful views. Then return to the cruise to pack your luggage, check out your cabin, and join a cooking class demonstration. Enjoy lunch while cruising back through Tuan Chau Port. Return to Hanoi and arrive in Hanoi around 2:30-3:00 PM. End of the trip.

Hang Luon Cave - Kayaking Luon Cave Halong Bay

Trung Trang Cave - Trung Trang Cave

Ba Trai Dao - Ba Trai Dao Beach

What's Included

Private Balcony Cabin Halong - Lan Ha Bay 5 Star Cruise
Hotel pickup and drop off in Hanoi Old Quarter
English-speaking tour guide full trip
Air-conditioned vehicle
Transfer by Limousine bus
Welcome drink on the cruise (soft drink, tea, or coffee)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Swimming, squid fishing
Kayaking in Halong Bay/Lan Ha…

What's Not Included

Drinks
Tips and gratuities.
New Year, Christmas, National Holiday extra surcharge

Additional Information

Explore Ninh Binh’s famous Trang An Cave, and ancient Bai Dinh Temple, Mua Cave, experiencing local culture during a 1-night home-stay. Ha Long overnight 5 star cruise, kayaking, swimming, fishing. Feast your eyes on the towering limestone karst formations at Trang An Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in the country Visit…

Location

Hanoi Opera House

Tràng Tiền

A shuttle bus will pick up guests at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Pick-up time is around 7:30 to 8:00 AM. If you are staying out of Hanoi Old Quarter, please go to Hanoi Opera House at 7:30 AM for pick-up and please inform to operator.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.9

(388 Ratings)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Taicool

Jan 8, 2025

The excellent comprehensive tour that I found covers both Ninh Bình and Halong Bay! - Awesome tour! I found this comprehensive tour that not only covers both Ninh Bình and Halong Bay but also high quality. All tour guide not only speak English fluently but also very fluent in Vietnamese culture and professional. I would highly recommend.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Nick_l

Jan 3, 2025

Amazing experience all... - Amazing experience all around. The crew is super friendly and professional. Breathtaking views of natural wonders. Such a relaxing and satisfying experience. Well worth it.

Review provided by Viator

Alfonsos1103

Dec 31, 2024

Vietnam cruise - Very good tour to cover two must see in Vietnam. The crew from the cruise was really nice. The food was very good and the room above our expectation

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Kun_z

Dec 27, 2024

Highly recommended - I highly recommend this trip. Ha Long Bay is super beautiful so is Ninh Binh. I especially like the Bungalow (Tom Coc Galaxy Villa) we stayed at the Ninh Binh. The group was separated to different cruises on the second day. I was on Alisa Premier and the staff was fantastic. Enjoying Ha Long Bay at your own cabin is a totally different experience from a day trip. The tour operator communicated well with us both before and during the tour.

Review provided by Viator

Anantha_p

Dec 24, 2024

Great Indian food available for South Indians. - 10 Stars to Ms. Pineapple at Ninh Binh Bungalow for taking care of everything f that we asked, 10 Stars to Mr. James, our Tour guide for entire day 1 support. He was very kind. 10 Stars to Mr. Morning, the guide on the cruise. 10 Stars to Mr. Tam, the chef on the cruise. 10 Stars to Ms. Lilly for taking full attention to bring the food that we requested. Top quality service, Personal care taken in all places, If you are an Indian Vegetarian Foodie but do not prefer eggs, mushrooms, garlic & onion - please book this trip and they will take care of you. We traveled with 11 year and 2 year kid and we have special attention every where, especially in the cruise. Signature Cruise was allotted for us and the Junior Suite was our room. Very compact, had everything that we need. Milk was prepared for the baby every time we asked them and they did not even charge a penny for any of the baby foods. They were so humble to tell us to wait for 15 min so that they will prepare separate food for us. Even the Soup was prepared for us and served. Much recommended for South Indian pure vegetarian ppl.

Review provided by Viator

866ananthapadmanabha

Dec 23, 2024

Top class, Indian Vegetarian Food available - Top quality service, Personal care taken in all places, If you are an Indian Vegetarian Foodie but do not prefer eggs, mushrooms, garlic & onion - please book this trip and they will take care of you. We traveled with 11 year and 2 year kid and we have special attention every where, especially in the cruise. Signature Cruise was allotted for us and the Junior Suite was our room. Very compact, had everything that we need. Milk was prepared for the baby every time we asked them and they did not even charge a penny for any of the baby foods. They were so humble to tell us to wait for 15 min so that they will prepare separate food for us. Even the Soup was prepared for us and served. Believe us when we say that, we got Vermicelli Semiya and Samosa onboard. Much recommended for South Indian pure vegetarian ppl.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Danielle_p

Dec 24, 2024

Great for ha long bay sights, only one night on boat, not quite luxury throughout - The cruise was so great, this was the best part. Please note it is only 1 night on the boat, with only an afternoon/evening (arrive at 1330) and 2 hours the following morning on the boat to enjoy. This is after an 0600 wake-up to get on tour bus. The first day of the tour is jam packed, starting with an 0700 pick up and 3 hour bus ride, get ready for amazing views and some great history. We were starving for lunch which was not the best, but some foods were ok, around 1300. All the tour sites were awesome and breath taking and absolutely worth the drive. The accommodations in the “bungalows” were 2 star quality at best. We had hot water showers only for 5 minute, no hand towels, and an average dinner with eggplant no one ate. Staff was great at the hotel, but I wished for 2 nights on the boat instead and skipping the bungalow night. We were up at 0600 to catch the 3hr bus ride to the boat the next morning. Our room on the boat was beautiful, definitely 5 star luxury here. Great hot shower with great pressure and nice tub, soft sheets, great balcony with amazing views. The food on the cruise was average at best, so lower your expectations here. Cocktails and coffee were amazing though! The cruise felt short and very rushed. It was not a relaxing experience and would not recommend for kids. We were all woken up early at 0700 in the morning and were instructed to be checked out and out of the rooms by 0920. The only activity offered was kayaking on a beach, and we were only allotted 1hour total, 20min of which consisted of a taxi boat and waiting for a kayak as there weren’t enough for everyone. No swimming was allowed on the beach they brought us to, which I thought was odd. The staff was great. Dong (beef noodle) was a great host and kept things fun and organized. Read the fine details of what you’re paying for, and consider for your needs and time.

Review provided by Viator

Julia_a

Jan 2, 2025

First part of the big disappointment, cruise was great - The cruise part was great. The ship was very nice. Food was good. It was beautiful. However, alcohol was not included in all inclusive. My issue was with the first day and specifically I would say the first night. While the store is off in five star cruise, on the first night we were put in probably zero star hotel . it was great disappointment. Not to mention cockroaches in the shower. I just don’t understand how they can combine such a low quality hotel for the cruise that is claimed to be five stars. The hotel should be better than what we were offered. Also this hotel on the first night is located outside of town. And to get to town, you will have to take Taxi or ride a bike. But it’s about 2 km. You will be tired after the tour so you will be stuck in the crappy hotel. there were a lot of hotels in town and a lot of shops and restaurants. But because we were outside of the town, we were limited to dinner that was included in the tour. But if I had a choice, I would skip the dinner and go out to a better restaurant

Review provided by Viator

572nerijusc

Dec 12, 2024

Good tour with local taste - Good trip overall with some local taste. Food at all locations the same, sure it's Vietnam. Hostels along trip was also with local tips. One without Conditioner, second without Wifi, last without both;-) Tour name confusing a bit if you do not read all details carefully. 3 days ...5 Start Cruise. Cruise 1 night/24h in total. And be carefful with photos in tour description as it's all photos they have from all their tours/cruise ships. So before you book pls ask ship name and google to not disappoint.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Rob_m

Dec 23, 2024

Do not do overnight on Ha Long Bay if seeking comfort - - All transfers were smooth. - Ninh Binh activities were great. - Ninh Binh overnight was ok. - Ha Long Bay is very polluted and touristy, but pretty. - Ha Long Bay overnight cruise conditions were horrible (eg mould everywhere, appliances didn't work, couldn't shut doors/windows so bad bugs/noise/exhaust etc). The cruise company was Aquamarine. Best to avoid the overnight option.

Review provided by Viator

From $320

Check Availability

From $320

Select Date and Tickets

up to 15 guests

1 Adult